Welcome! This thread is here to give an overview of how we operate the Strike Eagle in the 492d vFS. It will provide an overview of how the squadron works, information on the recruitment process, highlight key documents and hopefully answer any questions you may have.
The 492d vFS stood up in July 2023 after the release of the F-15E Strike Eagle module by RAZBAM. Since then we have been working to develop the squadron by recruiting new aircrew, writing our relevant documents and refining our syllabus. At the moment the squadron is still in the process of developing MQT and documentation and so we are looking for those who are willing to assist with this process.
It is important to note that we DO NOT recruit pilots and WSO’s separately, upon joining the squadron you will be trained in both the pilot and WSO seat and will be expected to be proficient in both.
RECRUITMENT
The recruitment process is made up of a few steps, the first being to submit an application on our forums. Please take time to fill this out as it helps us get an idea of who you are and why you want to join. Don’t forget to say hello on the forums and join our discord server, where you can ask questions and chat to members of the squadron.
Upon submitting an application you will be invited to an informal discord interview. Here, we are aiming to assess whether what we offer is suitable for the candidate's aims and interests and also to get to know the candidate and hopefully answer any further questions they may have. We will also show some of our documentation and set across our expectations and what you can expect from us.
The last element of the recruitment process is the pre-acceptance checkride. This is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude for technical and administrative flying, basic competencies and willingness to learn. Key events include an IMC departure and recovery from Nellis AFB with provided plates, formation flying and air-to-air refuelling. These tasks can all be practised in single player and give us an idea of the candidates ability and proficiency.
Upon successful completion of the checkride you will join the 74th vTS to begin your IQT training in the F-15E.
Pre-Joining Checkride
As stated above, the final stage before joining is a pre-acceptance checkride, this is to ensure applicants are at a suitable level of proficiency before beginning training with the 492d vFS. The standards for this event are outlined below, it is important to note that all these can be practised in single-player.
Conditions:
NTTR Map, operating from Nellis AFB
Full cold start iaw 476th vFG F-15E Checklists and procedures
DREAM 4 IFR Departure from Nellis AFB
Air-to-Air Refuelling from a KC-135
HI-ILS Z Rwy 21L IFR Recovery
The relevant checklists, departure and arrival plates can be found downloaded in the downloads section of our website.
TRAINING
Training in the F-15E is split into 3 distinct parts - Initial Qualification Training (IQT), Mission Qualification Training (MQT) and Continuation Training Modules (CT).
Initial Qualification Training (IQT):
The F-15E IQT course provides the basics for operating the DCS: F-15E in a non-tactical environment. Training pilots who graduate F-15E IQT possess the knowledge and skills to safely start, takeoff, navigate, fly as a wingman in 2-ship formations, and land the aircraft during both day and night, and in poor weather conditions. Upon graduation from Strike Eagle IQT, students will progress to Mission Qualification Training (MQT) where they will further train to employ the Strike Eagle in a tactical environment. At the end of IQT, the student is BMC and able to join other 492d pilots on combat missions.
FAM 1 + 2: Induction Brief / Tech Check & Familiarization Flight
IQT 1: Airmanship and VFR 1
IQT 2: Airmanship and VFR 2
IQT 3: Instrument Flying
IQT 4: Admin Formation Flying
IQT 5: Tactical Formation
IQT 6: Night Operations
IQT 7: Rear Cockpit Operations
Mission Qualification Training (MQT):
The F-15E MQT course provides the basics for operating the DCS: F-15E in a tactical environment. Training pilots who graduate F-15E MQT possess the knowledge and skills to safely employ the aircraft and its weapons in a combat environment, fly as a wingman in a two-ship and avoid or react to ground and air threats. The MQT course is split into multiple modules including Threat Counter Tactics (TCT), Air-to-Air (A/A), Low-Altitude Training / Basic Surface Attack (LAT/BSA), Sensors / Weapons (SEN/WEP) and Surface Attack Training (SAT). By the end of MQT a student is considered fully combat ready.
TCT: Threat Counter Tactics
BFM 1: Offensive / Defensive BFM
BFM 2: High Aspect BFM
ACM 1: Defensive ACM / Rear Quarter Setups
ACM 2: High Aspect ACM
TI: Tactical Intercepts
ACT 1: Beyond Visual Range Launch & Leave
ACT 2: Beyond Visual Range Launch & Decide
LAT 1: Low Altitude Training - Day
LAT 2: Low Altitude Training - Night
BSA 1: Basic Surface Attack Fundamentals
BSA 2: Pop-up & Loft Attacks
SEN 1: Sensor Employment - Radar
SEN 2: Sensor Employment - FLIR
WEP: Laser / GPS Weapon Employment
SAT 1: Surface Attack Tactics - Medium Level
SAT 2: Surface Attack Tactics - Low Level
Continuation Training (CT):
CT is not mandatory training, but is highly encouraged so pilots maintain proficiency on previously trained items and become more skilled in the unit’s assigned missions. Aircrew participating in CT are expected to have a strong understanding of the topics as outlined in the training program. CT is broken up into different programs, each focusing on specific topics. Each program has specific prerequisites, academics, sorties and graduation requirements. Such examples include Instructor Upgrade Programs, Flight Lead Upgrade Program, WSO Specialisation Training, Further A/A Training & FAC(A).
476th vFG Tactics Techniques and Procedures
476TTP 3-3.F-15E COMBAT AIRCRAFT FUNDEMENTALS
476TTP 3-1.F-15E TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT
We hope that you have found this thread useful in answering any questions you have about the 492d vFS and how we operate and train in the F-15E Strike Eagle.
If you have any further questions or queries feel free to join our discord where you can message and talk to current F-15E aircrew who will be happy to help.
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